Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 BNSF #2727 Phase IIB - DCC Ready

Expand your modern BNSF Railway locomotive fleet with the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 BNSF #2727. This highly detailed Phase IIB four-axle diesel locomotive represents a former Burlington Northern road switcher in BNSF service, featuring authentic railroad paint and lettering, road-number-specific exterior details, and Athearn's premium Genesis drivetrain.

Supplied DCC Ready with a 21-pin NEM decoder connector, BNSF #2727 operates on conventional DC power as delivered and allows model railroaders to install their preferred compatible DCC decoder. Its distinctive low-nose front headlight, strobe beacon, and modeler-applied remote antenna equipment make it especially appealing to model railroaders seeking an accurately detailed BNSF diesel locomotive.

BNSF #2727 - Former Burlington Northern EMD GP39-2

In 1981, Burlington Northern ordered 40 late-production EMD GP39-2 locomotives for freight service. These versatile four-axle diesel-electric road switchers combined a turbocharged 12-cylinder EMD 645E3 engine with an efficient 2,300-horsepower design, making them suitable for a variety of freight assignments.

Following the 1995 merger of Burlington Northern and Santa Fe, the former BN GP39-2 fleet became part of BNSF Railway. Many units continued operating in Burlington Northern paint for years before receiving updated BNSF corporate colors.

During the late 2010s, BNSF began repainting additional former BN GP39-2 locomotives, with some units also receiving modifications for specialized yard and remote-control service. These locomotives remained useful for local freight, switching, and yard assignments.

Athearn Genesis recreates BNSF #2727 with its Phase IIB body, distinctive low-nose headlight, and prototype-specific exterior equipment, providing an accurate representation of this modern BNSF locomotive.

BNSF #2727 Prototype-Specific Features

• Authentic BNSF Railway paint scheme and lettering
• Late-production Phase IIB EMD GP39-2 locomotive body
• Former Burlington Northern prototype configuration
• Low-nose mounted front headlight
• Strobe beacon detail
• Modeler-applied remote antenna equipment supplied separately
• Corrugated radiator grilles
• Q-style radiator cooling fans
• Large locomotive exhaust stack
• Front and rear ditch lights
• Removed class lights matching the prototype
• Nose-mounted electronic brake equipment
• Electronic bell detail
• Illuminated locomotive number boards
• Detailed Blomberg trucks and underbody components

DCC Ready with 21-Pin NEM Quick Plug Decoder Connector

The Athearn Genesis BNSF GP39-2 #2727 features Athearn's Quick Plug decoder interface with a 21-pin NEM connector, allowing model railroaders to install a compatible aftermarket DCC decoder.

This version operates on conventional DC power as supplied and does not include a factory-installed sound decoder or sound system. It is ideal for traditional DC layouts or model railroaders who prefer to select their own DCC decoder and sound equipment.

• Factory DCC Ready configuration
• Conventional DC operation out of the box
• 21-pin NEM decoder connector
• Quick Plug decoder installation interface
• Compatible with appropriately selected aftermarket DCC decoders
• Factory-installed LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• Strobe beacon detail for compatible lighting-function setup
• No factory-installed sound decoder or speakers

For model railroaders planning a custom DCC/Sound installation, the 21-pin decoder interface provides a convenient starting point for adding a compatible sound decoder and appropriate speaker equipment.

Premium Athearn Genesis HO Scale GP39-2 Features

Athearn Genesis locomotives combine extensive prototype detailing with precision mechanical engineering for smooth, dependable HO scale railroad operations.

• Highly detailed HO scale (1:87) diesel locomotive
• Five-pole skew-wound motor with precision-machined flywheels
• Multi-link drivetrain with all-wheel drive
• All-wheel electrical pickup for reliable current collection
• Heavy die-cast frame for improved traction and pulling power
• Realistic LED locomotive lighting
• Illuminated number boards
• Factory-installed wire grab irons, lift rings, and windshield wipers
• Fine-scale Celcon handrails
• Detailed walkway tread and drop steps
• Etched metal fan grilles
• See-through cab windows with detailed cab interior
• Detailed fuel tank fillers, gauges, and breather pipes
• Trainline hoses, MU hoses, and coupler cut levers
• Body-mounted McHenry scale knuckle couplers compatible with Kadee couplers
• RP25 wheel contours for popular HO scale track systems
• Minimum recommended operating radius of 18 inches

Model Modern BNSF Freight and Switching Operations

The EMD GP39-2 is an excellent choice for HO scale layouts representing contemporary BNSF Railway operations. Its four-axle configuration and mid-horsepower design make it suitable for local freight trains, industrial switching, yard transfers, and multiple-unit locomotive consists.

BNSF #2727 is particularly appealing to model railroaders recreating former Burlington Northern locomotives in modern BNSF service. Its low-nose headlight and strobe beacon distinguish it from other GP39-2 road numbers featuring cab-mounted headlights.

Explore additional Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 locomotives for more BNSF road numbers and available DCC Ready or DCC/Sound configurations.

Browse our premium Athearn Genesis collection for detailed diesel locomotives and rolling stock, or discover additional Athearn model trains at Fusion Scale Hobbies.

Athearn Genesis GP39-2 BNSF #2727 Specifications

• Manufacturer: Athearn Genesis
• SKU: ATHG-1966
• Scale: HO Scale (1:87)
• Locomotive: EMD GP39-2
• Railroad: BNSF Railway
• Reporting Mark: BNSF
• Road Number: 2727
• Prototype Heritage: Former Burlington Northern
• Body Configuration: Phase IIB
• Radiator Grilles: Corrugated
• Cooling Fans: Q Fans
• Headlight: Low-Nose Front Headlight
• Beacon: Strobe Beacon
• Antennas: Modeler-Applied Remote Antenna Equipment Included
• Control: DC / DCC Ready
• Decoder Interface: 21-Pin NEM Quick Plug
• Factory Sound: Not Equipped
• Lighting: LED
• Wheel Arrangement: B-B
• Trucks: Blomberg
• Minimum Radius: 18 Inches
• Era: 2010–Present

Shop Athearn Genesis HO Scale Diesel Locomotives at Fusion Scale Hobbies

Add the Athearn Genesis HO Scale EMD GP39-2 BNSF #2727 DCC Ready locomotive to your model railroad fleet. Discover additional diesel locomotives, freight cars, and model railroad equipment in our complete model trains collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.